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Epitome of clean vehicles shown at event in Bay Area. 

Release 08-57
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 23, 2008
	  	  	
Dimitri Stanich
(916)322-2825
www.arb.ca.gov


New era of clean, efficient vehicles shown at Palo Alto Concours
d'Elegance

Luxury automotive event gives nod to new technologies

PALO ALTO, CALIF. - The California Air Resources Board's "Drive
Clean California Campaign" and vehicle manufacturers today
showcased the latest efficient, clean technology vehicles at the
42nd Annual Concours d'Elegance on the Stanford University
campus.

The newest battery-electric, hybrid, compressed natural gas and
super-clean gasoline vehicles were on display. Consumers were
able to consult with experts about vehicle smog scores, global
warming impact, fuel economy, and state, federal and local
incentives.

"Consumers can directly impact air quality and global warming
when purchasing a new vehicle," said ARB Chairman Mary D.
Nichols. "Today we are able to enjoy a wide variety of clean
technology vehicle makes and models in varying price ranges that
are often more efficient than traditional cars and trucks."

All vehicles on display at the Concours carry a smog score of 8
or better, with a score of 10 being best. The four makes and
models showcased at the event included:

    * 2008 Tesla Roadster: battery electric with a smog score of
10;
    * 2008 Lexus 600h L: hybrid-electric with a smog score of
8;
    * 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350: clean gasoline with a smog score
of 9; and,
    * 2008 Honda Civic GX: compressed natural gas with a smog
score of 9. 

Beginning with the 2009 model year, all cars sold in California
will be required to carry a sticker comparing the environmental
impacts of vehicles. The label displays a smog score and global
warming score on a scale of 1-10. The highest scores indicate
the cleanest vehicles.

"California continues to lead the nation in setting automotive
emissions standards in order to protect public health and the
environment from poor air quality and global warming emissions,"
added Nichols. "The vehicles displayed today are examples of the
state's commitment to pushing clean vehicle technology for the
past forty years."

The 42nd Annual Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance, the third oldest
concours event in the nation, assembles sports, racing, vintage
and classic cars, supplemented by a variety of special-interest
auto displays. All proceeds from the Concours support more than
two dozen local charities and organizations. For information
about the event, please visit the Concours d'Elegance website at
www.paconcurs.com.

To learn more about clean, advanced technology vehicles
available today, visit the Drive Clean California Web site at
www.DRIVECLEAN.ca.gov.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and
protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through
effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and
considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain
health based air quality standards.

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